Arsonist destroys old iconic motel

EASTERN SHORE, Va. (WAVY) - State Police are investigating yet another arson on the Eastern Shore, this time involving an abandoned motel in Tasley.

Sgt. Michelle Anaya with the Virginia State Police said the fire was reported around 9:30 p.m. in the 23300 block of Tasley Road. A two-story abandoned motel was destroyed by arson.

Photos: Arson destroys abandoned motel

Viewers told WAVY.com the motel is the old Whispering Pines Motel that's been around for years. Whispering Pines has been described as a landmark in Accomack County. According to delmarvanow.com, the oldest part of the complex, the dining room, was set on fire.

Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin told delmarvanow.com a man living in a newer but still derelict section of the complex escaped safely.

Sherry Bradley was a manager at the motel in the 1990s. 

"When I saw the first picture come in of it actually on fire and the firemen there, I was in awe," Bradley told WAVY.com.

Bradley, who lives in Harborton, is one of the many residents who has been following the arson situation closely.  She says she was worried the arsonist would set their sights on the old motel.

"It was like just standing there staring you in the face," said Bradley.  "Sooner or later this is going because he's going to want to get bigger and bigger."

Bradley also describes Whispering Pines as the "place to go back in the day."  She says everyone from families to celebrities would visit.

More than 60 structures have been set on fire on the Eastern Shore since mid-November and State Police are offering a $25,000 reward for information that will lead to an arrest.